Fredy Guarin claims the standard of the Chinese Super League “is substantially similar to that of Serie A” after swapping Inter for Shanghai Shenhua.

Guarin left Inter to join Shenhua for a reported €13m last January, and while the midfielder was initially sceptical about playing in China, he is now a believer that football in the country will eventually be among the best in the world.

“I was at Inter for many years and thought it was time to change scenery,” he told Sino.com

“This great offer arrived, I took it into consideration and ultimately accepted it.

“I wanted a new experience and chose China. I didn’t think it was a very competitive League, but I’ve had to change my mind.

“We’re not at the level of the Spanish League, but I think the standard is substantially similar to that of Serie A.

“Over time, Chinese clubs will rise to the level of the best in the world: many players and foreign Coaches have been attracted already, and they will certainly make it the most attractive League.

“The arrival of so many players from abroad will also allow the local players to learn many things.”